Order for Protection (OFP)

An Order for Protection (OFP) is a civil restraining order issued under Minnesota Statutes § 518B.01, the Domestic Abuse Act. It is available to people who have experienced domestic abuse — defined as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or threats — at the hands of a family or household member or intimate partner. An OFP is a civil proceeding, not a criminal charge, but violating one is a crime.

To obtain an OFP in Minnesota, the petitioner files a request with the court. A judge may issue a temporary ex parte OFP (without the other party present) based on the petitioner's sworn statement alone if there is immediate danger. A full hearing is then scheduled — typically within 14 days — where both parties can present evidence. If granted, an OFP can last up to two years and can be renewed.

OFPs can require the respondent to leave the shared home, stay away from the petitioner's home, workplace, and school, have no contact by any means, and complete a domestic abuse intervention program. Violating an OFP is a misdemeanor for a first offense and can rise to a felony for repeat violations or violations involving firearms.

Criminal domestic assault charges and OFPs frequently appear together — the criminal complaint triggers the court process while the OFP provides immediate civil protection. MN CRIME covers domestic assault charges extensively. Search recent domestic assault cases at mncrime.com/search or browse by charge type at mncrime.com/charges/domestic-assault.